3D CAD Programs - Where to Start

3D CAD design software is available in a number of shapes and sizes. Most of the packages mentioned below offer fully functioning trial versions for 15-30 days, so definitely try before you buy.

At the top end, costing tens of thousands of dollars are programs like Catia, which will allow design and simulation of assemblies with hundreds of parts. This type of software is typically found in large corporations, e.g. automakers.

At the lower price end ($200-$2000)are programs like Alibre (similar core functionalities as Solidworks) and TurboCad. Rhinoceros is a NURBS modeling program that some find more intuitive to work with. Plus you can find it for <$1000 (make sure to shop around).

It's also possible to get started with 3D CAD for free with Google Sketchup. It has limited capabilites and you will need a third party plugin (e.g. this) to export in .stl format, but again, it's free.